I personally don't go on a lot of winter-time hikes (comparatively to spring summer) because that's when my work schedule starts to ramp up. Typically throughout the fall and winter months I'll get in two trips, one of which being the annual MLK. In cold weather it is important that you are properly dressed to suit the conditions. It will make your trip a lot more comforable and enjoyable.

Chances are, gearing up for a cold hike you're going to over prepare and take way too much. Granted, it is easier to shed clothes than it is to put more clothes on that you don't have, but extra clothes are extra weight. Dead weight at that. It's important to acheive your own personal level of comfort with EFFICIENCY. I'm going to outline a few tips and suggestions for making a cold weather hike a little more enjoyable.

Back in 2011 our group took our annual MLK overnight trip to the Smoky Mountains for a demanding, snow covered loop from Cades Cove - Spence Field - Russell Field - Cades Cove. I ran across the pictures on my computer and figured I would share. Click the link below to view the trip report.

So, I got bored this weekend and needed something to work on. I had been looking at the Sawyer squeeze filtration system. Considering the price tag of nearly $60, I talked myself out of buying one. I kept thinking about it and realized I had enough stuff around the house to make my own; in fact, I think I can make it lighter.

Ten Pound Backpack

I found this link and I think it is worth sharing. This guy has a great gear list with weights and prices everything from stoves to tents to sleeping pads and backpacks. If you're having trouble locating a piece of equipment to fit your weight requirements, give this page a gander.

Understanding R-Value in Sleeping Pads

UL packing can be broken down into three subclasses: Lightweight, Ultralight, and Hyperlight. The difference between the three comes down to base weight. Everything in a hiker's pack, with the exception of food, fuel, and water, is included in this total.

The biggest contributor to any backpacker's baseweight is, of course, the BIG THREE. I've worked hard and invested time and money into finding the gear that works best for me while still being light. I've made some changes to my gear since the original post on the BIG THREE, but we'll get into that later. Let's take a look at the three subclasses of UL packing and what's required to meet those criteria.

A lot of us experience it, some more so than others. Knee Pain is a battle many hikers, runners, cyclists, and many outdoor enthusiasts face. For me, the most common is pain localized around the kneecaps. This type of pain can most is often be caused by Chondromalacia, Patellofemoral Stress Syndrome, or what is more commonly referred to as, “runner’s knee.” Pain caused by this problem worsen when walking up or down stairs, walking uphill, running, jumping or activities that create situations where the knee supports the weight of your body while your leg is straightened.

Every backpacking trip I go on, I make sure that I pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer. It's small and packable. I usually keep it in my ditty bag. Either buy it in bulk and put it in a reusable container or buy the little bottles pictured on the right (then buy in bulk and refill it).The primary active ingredient in hand sanitizer is ethanol. Ethanol kills 99.99% of the bacteria it comes in contact with, Hand sanitizer also contains isopropyl alcohol. The first obvious use is to clean your hands.I Squirt some on and rub it all over after filtering water from a stream or lake. Clean your hands before mealtime, and after you use the privvy. For health purposes, it's important that you burn this routine into your mind so you don't catch a bug that can ruin your trip.Hand sanitizer can also be used as a convenient fire starter in an emergency. It can be used to clean utensils and sterilize equipment like sporks and knives. It can clean scrapes and small wounds to help prevent infection.It is important that you buy the unscented variety of hand sanitizer. Anything scented will attract animals, like bears, which can mistake unnatural scents for food.

Hunting season is fast apporaching and as hikers, it's important that we take some extra precautions to ensure our safety. The fact of the matter is that hunting is widely permitted on the same lands used by long distance backpackers and hikers across the US. Even if hunting is prohibited on the trail you’re on, it may still be permitted on adjacent lands, so you still need to be vigilant in case hunters don’t know about your trail and unknowingly shoot in your direction.As a hiker, it is common to feel defenseless in this type of situation, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.